A nine-year-old child has died after being shot in her home in Liverpool on Monday.
Police in Merseyside were called to a house in the Dovecot area of the city on August 22 after reports that an unknown man had burst into the house and fired a number of shots, the Liverpool Echo reports.
It is reported that the schoolgirl suffered a gunshot wound to the chest before being taken to hospital where she died from her injuries a short time later.
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In a statement, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We have launched an investigation following the tragic fatal shooting of a child in Huyton last night, Monday, August 22. Officers attended at a house on Kingsheath Avenue at 10pm after reports that an unknown male had fired a gun inside the property.
"A nine-year-old girl suffered a gunshot injury to the chest and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. She has since sadly died.
"Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers. A man also suffered gunshot wounds to his body and a woman suffered a gunshot injury to her hand during the incident inside the house
"They have both been taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries. An investigation is underway and house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries are in the process of being carried out. A cordon is also in place."
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “This is a truly shocking incident in which tragically a young and innocent girl has been shot and sadly died.
"Our thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends at this very difficult time. No parent should ever have to suffer the loss of a child in these dreadful circumstances.
“This crime is abhorrent and our communities must come forward and tell us who is responsible.
“This cowardly individual does not deserve to be walking the streets and I would urge those who know anything to speak to us and tell us what they know so that we can put the person responsible behind bars where they belong."
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